Turkey shipwreck discovery dates to Early Bronze Age

Archaeologists have identified what is believed to be the world’s oldest known shipwreck off the coast of Kekova, near Antalya, Turkey. The site, located in shallow waters approximately 30 meters deep, dates back to the Early Bronze Age, between 2700 and 2400 B.C. (or potentially as far back as 4,700 years ago), a period contemporaneous with the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

While the vessel's wooden hull has long since decayed due to marine exposure, its cargo remains preserved on the seabed. The find includes three large stone anchors and over 30 well-preserved ceramic amphorae. These specialized vessels feature a distinctive design with two handles and a raised horizontal clay belt, serving as an early prototype for standardized maritime shipping containers.

Led by Associate Professor Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University and archaeologist Dr. Karin Sowada, the expedition analyzed the ceramic styles to establish a chronology. Preliminary assessments suggest the cargo may have originated from the Central Jordan Valley and contained high-value goods such as tree resin, wine, olive oil, silver, or cedar. The discovery provides significant new insights into ancient Mediterranean maritime trade routes and Early Bronze Age commerce.